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A Pennsylvania Christmas Train Ride In Hollidaysburg!

Published: November 15, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the wooded valleys and rolling farmland of Blair County, Pennsylvania, the Everett Railroad has grown from a tiny short line into one of the region’s most beloved heritage railroads. Today it offers scenic excursions, hands-on steam experiences, and one of the state’s most popular Christmas trains: the Santa Express.

What began as a modest effort to preserve freight service in rural central Pennsylvania has blossomed into a thriving operation that combines working railroading with immersive historical interpretation. The Everett Railroad’s story reflects both the resilience of short lines and the enduring appeal of classic American railroading.

Everett Railroad 2-6-0 #11 leads the "Santa Express" south near Blair Township on December 2, 2023. Doug Kroll photo.

Early Background: A Rural Lifeline

The original Everett Railroad traces its lineage to the Hollidaysburg & Hopewell Railroad, chartered in 1859 to connect the canal and industrial center of Hollidaysburg with the rich timber and ore lands to the south.

Financial difficulties prevented full construction, but in 1867 the reorganized Bedford & Bridgeport Railroad (later controlled by the Pennsylvania Railroad) extended tracks into the region, ultimately creating the branch line that would form the backbone of the modern Everett system.

By the early 20th century, the Pennsylvania Railroad had absorbed or influenced most railroads in the region. Through its control of the Hollidaysburg–Sproul–Claysburg corridor, the PRR provided small towns with essential freight service—lumber, grain, livestock, and coal moved north toward Altoona and south toward Bedford. Passenger service was sparse but steady, especially before World War II, when small mixed trains still served the valleys.

The postwar years, however, brought massive reductions in rural branch-line traffic. Trucks and improved roads meant shippers no longer depended on local railheads. By the 1970s, Penn Central’s bankruptcy and Conrail’s formation placed these lines at risk of abandonment.

A New Beginning

The modern Everett Railroad was born in 1982, created by entrepreneur and lifelong railroader Alan Maples, who sought to preserve freight service over a segment of former Penn Central track near Everett, Pennsylvania. Initially operating just a few miles of line, the company served industries that still relied on rail, preventing the corridor from disappearing entirely.

When Conrail shed more branch lines in the 1990s, Maples saw opportunity for expansion. In 1995, the Everett Railroad acquired the Duncansville–Sproul–Martinsburg route, a former PRR branch vital to several grain mills and manufacturing businesses. This purchase shifted the railroad’s operations northward, closer to Altoona, and formed the core of the railroad’s present-day freight network.

The decision proved wise. The region’s agricultural producers remained committed to rail, and the Everett Railroad soon established itself as a stable, customer-focused short line. Regular freight interchanges with Norfolk Southern at Hollidaysburg ensured reliable service and gave the line long-term relevance in the region’s transportation picture.

The Move Into Excursion Service

As freight operations stabilized, the Everett Railroad began exploring tourist excursions—first on a limited basis, then eventually as a major component of its business model. The line’s proximity to Altoona and the famed Horseshoe Curve, along with its own picturesque farmland and wooded hollows, made it well-suited for scenic rail tourism.

A key turning point came in 2015, when the Everett Railroad completed the restoration of former Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain 2-6-0 steam locomotive No. 11, a 1901 Baldwin product. No. 11 had been dormant since the 1950s, but under the railroad’s meticulous mechanical work it returned to steam as the centerpiece of the new Everett Railroad steam program.

The locomotive’s debut drew national attention within the rail preservation community. Excursions behind No. 11 followed between Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, and Martinsburg over classic PRR rails, showcasing the rural charm of the Morrisons Cove region. Wooden trestles, small-town storefronts, and open farmland provided an authentic backdrop for vintage railroading.

Since then, the Everett Railroad has steadily grown its tourist offerings, becoming a standout heritage operation in Pennsylvania.

Present-Day Excursions

Today the Everett Railroad offers a mix of seasonal and theme-based excursions throughout the year. Each ride emphasizes history, family fun, and an up-close view of traditional steam railroading

Steam-Powered Excursions

Many of the railroad’s scheduled outings use No. 11, giving passengers a rare opportunity to experience early-20th-century steam power in action. Excursions typically run between Hollidaysburg and Brooke Mills, with longer seasonal trips reaching Martinsburg.

Riders are treated to a classic short-line setting: farm fields, Amish homesteads, tight curves, and quiet crossings where the locomotive’s whistle echoes across the valley.

Fall Foliage Trains

During October, the Everett Railroad’s annual Fall Foliage Excursions draw visitors from across Pennsylvania. The Morrisons Cove valley bursts into color, and the railroad adds open-air cars so passengers can fully enjoy the scenery. These are among the most popular non-holiday trains of the year.

Pumpkin Patch Trains

Families flock to these autumn outings, which combine a traditional excursion with a stop at a local pumpkin patch. Children can pick out a pumpkin, meet costumed characters, and enjoy the rural setting—creating a lighthearted seasonal event that the railroad’s volunteers have perfected.

Ice Cream and Picnic Trains

In summer, shorter warm-weather outings cater to families and day-trippers, offering ice cream treats or onboard picnic baskets. These trains showcase the lush greenery of the valley and provide an easy, relaxed way to ride behind steam.

The Santa Express

The highlight of the Everett Railroad’s calendar is the annual Santa Express, a beloved Christmas season tradition that transforms the railroad into a rolling festival of lights, decorations, cookies, and holiday cheer. For many families throughout central Pennsylvania, this train marks the start of the holiday season.

What Guests Experience

The train generally departs from Hollidaysburg, with trains operating on select dates from late November through late December. Excursions usually last around 60–75 minutes, making them ideal for children while still offering a full and festive experience.

Onboard, guests encounter a holiday atmosphere from the moment they board:

• Cars decorated with garland, lights, and classic Christmas ornaments
• Traditional carols and holiday music throughout the train
• Cookies and hot chocolate served by cheerful volunteer elves
• A visit from Santa Claus, who personally greets each child and poses for photos
• A small treat or gift for each young passenger

The Everett Railroad’s emphasis on personal interaction sets the Santa Express apart. Santa’s visit is unhurried, warm, and tailored to each family. Crews encourage children to wear pajamas, bring letters for Santa, and fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the season.

Steam, Snow, and Scenery

When possible, the railroad powers these trains with steam locomotive No. 11, further enhancing the holiday charm. On frosty days, the locomotive’s plume rising into the winter air creates a picture-perfect vintage scene straight from a Christmas card. Snow-dusted fields, farmhouses, and small towns along the line lend authenticity and beauty to the journey.

Popularity and Community Role

Because these outings routinely sell out—especially afternoon and evening departures—many families return year after year, creating a multi-generational holiday tradition. The Santa Express also serves a broader community purpose:

• It brings visitors into Hollidaysburg, supporting restaurants and shops.
• It strengthens regional heritage by introducing children to historic railroading.
• It provides seasonal volunteer opportunities for local residents.

The Everett Railroad has partnered with nearby groups, schools, and charities during the holiday season, making the Santa Express a fixture not just for railfans but for the community at large.

A Railroad With Heart and Heritage

In a state rich with railroad tradition, the Everett Railroad stands out for its balance of living history, community engagement, and family-focused events. Its story—rescuing rural freight service, reviving steam in the 21st century, and creating beloved seasonal traditions—reflects what short-line preservation can achieve when passion meets purpose.

During the Christmas season, the Santa Express captures everything that makes this railroad special: warm hospitality, authentic holiday spirit, and the magic of hearing a steam whistle echo through a winter valley.

For visitors of all ages, a trip on the railroad is more than an excursion—it is a memorable journey into Pennsylvania’s railroading past and a celebration of its enduring charm.  To learn more about the Santa Express and booking tickets please click here.